This is Minomo Blacksmith
Minomo Blacksmith was founded 1796, in the small village of Hitoyoshi in the southern part of Japan. The smithy itself has been destroyed several times - by floods and fires - but the traditions were kept alive through the efforts of the craftsmen and their families. Their passion for the craft has kept burning for over 200 years.
Currently, three generations of blacksmiths are working in the smithy: The granddad and 8th generation Yutaka-san, the dad and 9th generation Minoru-san, and his son and 10th generation Isamu-san. The three of them work in the smithy every day, hammering, sharpening, and putting their hearts and souls into each and every blade.
They create timeless products that can be used for decades. The legacy of their ancestors can be felt in every swing of their hammers. A craft kept alive for over 200 years.
Today, they keep swinging their hammers to keep the tradition alive for future generations.
Become Part of the Minomo Legacy
Get Your Own Unique Knife Forged!
Santoku Kitchen Knife
An all-purpose kitchen knife, forged by Minomo Blacksmith craftsmen in Kumamoto by hand.
The knife is excellent for cutting anything, from veggies, fruits, meats, fish to bread.
You can get the blade engraved too!
Natural Sharpening Stone
Use this sharpening stone to keep your knife in good shape! The natural stone is extracted close to the town of Amakusa in Kumamoto prefecture. By regularly sharpening your knife, you can use it for many decades.
NEW
Ignite Knife
An original camping and outdoor knife by Minomo Blacksmith.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTS
Includes:
- ・Santoku Kitchen Knife (handcrafted from steel, 30.2cm length, 16.5cm blade length, 120g weight)
- ・Red Sharpening Stone (15cm x 4cm x 3cm)
- ・Optional (Additional Fee): Blade Engraving (up to 20 letters in alphabet or Japanese kanji, let us know the exact words or kanji you want through the LEAVE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER option!)
- ・FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING (the knives will be shipped out around the end of May)
*The knife is made from steel, so there will be a certain amount of rusting over time. There are detailed descriptions included in the pack on how to get rid of rust and tend to your knife by sharpening.
*The sharpening stone in our videos is a different kind and color from what is in the package this time. This has no effects on the sharpening process or quality of the stone.
A handcrafted all-around knife, especially handy for camping or outdoor activities.
The handle with woven paracord and an indentation along the index finger provides an easy and secure grip. The paracord is water-resistant, quick-drying, and very durable.
The back of the blade has a non-slip surface, which makes it easy to hold when sharpening wood or similar.
The Minomo family hopes this knife ignites the owner’s spirit and passion.
Price includes:
-
・Ignite Knife (blade length ca. 11cm, 4mm thick, total length ca. 23cm)
Steel: Yasugi Steel Aogami No. 2
Paracord: Made by Atwood Rope MFG in the US
Sheath: Saddle leather 3.0mm black, hand-stitched
- ・FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
Support The Noto Earthquake Victims
"Kizuna" 絆 describes the bonds between people, a connection that makes us want to support each other, even if we are far apart.
The Minomo family created this special patterned knife for the sole purpose of supporting the victims of the January 2024 Noto earthquake. A big part of the earnings will go to Natural Disaster Support NPO BOND＆JUSTICE, who are in Noto right now, supporting the victims living in shelters.
The knive is engraved with the Kanji for Kizuna (絆) as well as grandpa Minomo's artist name (Tomomitsu, 友光) in Kanji.
Includes:
- ・"Kizuna" Kitchen Knife (handcrafted from steel, 27cm length, 15cm blade length, 80g weight)
- ・Red Sharpening Stone (15cm x 4cm x 3cm)
- ・FREE Optional Blade Engraving (up to 20 letters in alphabet or Japanese kanji, let us know the exact words or kanji you want through the LEAVE A NOTE WITH YOUR ORDER option!)
- ・FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING (the knives will be shipped out in the beginning of March)
*The knife is made from steel, so there will be a certain amount of rusting over time. There are detailed descriptions included in the pack on how to get rid of rust and tend to your knife by sharpening.
*The sharpening stone in our videos is a different kind and color from what is in the package this time. This has no effects on the sharpening process or quality of the stone.
Get a Kitchen Knife That Will Support You for Decades
A One-of-a-kind knife
Each knife is individually forged by hand at the Minomo smithy in Kumamoto.
The craftsmen in the smithy create knifes that fit into the modern lifestyle, while preserving tradition and using steel manufacturing methods handed down for generations.
Taken care of regularly and with love, your knife will last you for decades.
With the included sharpening stone you can tend to your knife and keep it sharp.
Check our the video below on how to sharpen your knife with it!
With the "Engraved blade" option you can get your knife engraved with one word of up to 20 letters in Japanese or alphabet. A name? A short message to your loved one? Your favorite kanji? Choose freely and let us know when ordering (Through the "leave a note with your order" section)! The word will be engraved into the knife by hand in Kumamoto by Minomo Blacksmith craftsmen. Check out the pictures with engraved names for reference!
How to Sharpen Your Knife
Here is a detailed video on how to use the sharpening stone, with explanations from Minomo blacksmith Isamu-san!(*The stone in the video is a different color from the one included in the pack.)
What a great knife! It’s extremely sharp and a little smaller than the utility knife I’m used to using, but it feels comfortable in the hand and makes slicing food much easier. I love the craftsmanship and knowing that this was made by a family of blacksmiths whose business has been making knives since the Edo Period, makes it even more special.
Blade has multiple chips after literal 1 month of use, cutting vegetables…handle is incredibly cheap and an unfinished piece of wood. Not in a good way. Do not recommend.
Knife is amazing, great craftsmanship!
Dear Brock,
Thank yout for your review and supporting Japanese craftsmanship!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
Quality Craftsmanship, shipping was fast from Japan to the States. Will buy from Minomo again.
Thank you for your review and for your purchase!
Please enjoy cooking with the Minomo knife for a long time to come!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team
I received the Minomo Santoku knife. It is a beautiful knife that arrive quite sharp. Highly recommended! I also order the Tokyo Rainbow Spice flavor box. Spices are fantastic. Also recommend this 100%. Also very happy with Mari and her help. Great experience all around.
Dear James,
Thank you for your review and for your purchase!
We are glad to hear you like both products.
Thank you for supporting craftsman and Japanese crafts in Japan!
Greetings from Japan,
The Japanese Food Craftsman Team